Volkswagen has introduced the Passat Connect sedan which features the ‘Volkswagen Connect’ advanced telematics and vehicle assistance system. The application enables customers to experience features such as trip tracking, fuel cost monitoring, driving behavior and more.
The Volkswagen Connect app allows users to connect their car to their smartphone through a ‘Plug and Play’ data dongle fitted to the on-board diagnostics (OBD) port of the car. Once connected with a smartphone via Bluetooth, the app will enable customers to experience advanced connected features like trip tracking, fuel cost monitor, driving behavior, location sharing, SOS calls and service appointments. The Connect application is compatible with both Android and iOS platforms.
Mechanically, the Passat Connect remains unchanged. There is a solitary 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine on offer which puts out 177hp and 350Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. VW claims a fuel efficiency of 17.42kpl thanks to the onboard ‘Think Blue Trainer’ that gives the driver prompts to improve their driving efficiency.
The Passat comes packed with features such as nine airbags, hill-start assist and auto-hold, dynamic chassis control, a reverse camera with a 360-degree view, park sensors, Nappa leather seats, three-zone climate control, electric adjustable front seats with heating and massage functions, LED headlamps with DRLs, LED tail-lamps and a hands-free boot opening mechanism.
The Volkswagen Passat Connect is priced at Rs 25.99 lakh for the base Comfortline variant whereas the top-spec Highline trim costs Rs 28.99 lakh. The Passat rivals the Skoda Superb, which recently got a new mid-spec Sportline trim, and the Toyota Camry Hybrid in our market.
Prices are ex-showroom, India
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
